Class of 2018 Retreat – They Call it “Duck Weed”!

As the EPSE Class of 2018 arrived at Rosa Sattoria Ranch in Rainbow, CA, we all looked at the nice, grassy field beyond the parking area. It seemed like it should be a lake, but clearly, it was not water we observed. According to our Team Building host, Jim Snell, it is called “Duck Weed.” And little to our knowledge, we were about to get up close and personal with the green goop. They said that there was not usually this much, but the ducks haven’t been eating it like they had in previous years. Throughout the day, we all performed numerous activities to build our relationships and were able to learn more about one another. However, nearly every group felt a bit daunted by the “lake crossing” activity that Tuesday. In the lake crossing the team had to figure out how to cross the lake (covered in Duck Weed) and then get the rest of the team to the other side. Needless to say, on this “Challenge by Choice”, a few folks opted out. However, the EPSE Class of 2018 had many bold souls that braved the Duck Weed, tree branches and other flotsam in the lake to help their team succeed! Those who braved the crossing were apt to find Duck Weed in surprising places for the next day or so! As we closed the day near the lake/pond, we celebrated the rapport we built, the obstacles we conquered and the stories to be shared for a lifetime.